Trajectory of Weight Patterns in Urban Youth Throughout Their Stay in a Juvenile Justice System.

Incarceration is associated with health risks including overweight and obesity. This study explored obesity rates and weight gain in incarcerated youth by tracking weight trajectory during continuous stays in juvenile justice facilities. Among 65 youth, mean weight gain was 17.8 pounds and significant, F(2, 12) = 25.44, p = .03. Youth gained an average of 15.6 pounds (standard deviation [ SD] = 3.6) during the initial incarceration period (mean = 71 days). From the assessment to treatment period (mean = 46 days), mean weight gain was 4.1 pounds ( SD = 4.3), which also was significant, F(2, 12) = 28.57, p = .03. Body mass index z-scores increased significantly for each monthly weight observation. Being incarcerated is associated with significant weight gain and should influence policy and planning in this setting.